Publication Order of Short Stories

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Jackie Collins is known for her salacious novels about the romantic relationships of the rich and powerful. She has written over 29 novels (all of which made the New York Times bestseller lists) that have sold 500 million copies all across the world. She has endured herself to readers, because of her insider knowledge of Hollywood and decadent sexual material. Readers can indulge themselves in Collins’ rich fantasies with every turn of the page and on the big screen.

Early Life and Acting Career

Jacqueline “Jackie” Collins was born in London, England on October 4, 1937.She is the youngest daughter of Joseph Collins, a theater agent, and Elsa Bessant. Her older sister was the legendatry American actress, Joan Collins. Collins attended the Francis Holland School in London, where she became known for her erotic story telling. Classmates would pay the young Collins money for original stories. For unknown reasons, Collins was expelled from Francis Holland at age 15, and protested the expulsion by throwing her school uniform into the Thames River. Though not as successful on the big screen as her older sister, Jackie Collins did do a stint on the stage as a singer, alongside Des O’Connor, in the billing for Lonnie Donegan on his United Kingdom around 1958. During this time, she reportedly had an affair with 29 year old, Marlon Brando. Collins also appeared in a few British B movies in the 1950’s, and also appeared in ITC televisions series Danger Man and The Saint in the 60’s. She has also appeared as herself in several tv series in the 1980’s.

Writing Career

The late director Louis Malle described Jackie Collins as a, “raunchy moralist” and was named “Hollywood’s own Marcel Proust” by Vanity Fair. Jackie Collins is one of the most popular authors the world has ever known. Her books have sold more than 500 million copies across the globe and have been translated in over 40 languages. Collin’s books focus on the scandalous lives of the rich and powerful in Hollywood, and are written with extreme candor and sensationalism.

Jackie Collins began her writing career while attending Francis Holland School in London, England. At 15, she became popular amongst her peers for her decadent and salacious writing style. Her first book was, The World is Full of Married Men, and became an instant bestseller. Its unabashed sexuality and dealings with the double standard women face in society, became a Joan Collins signature. Hit after scandalous hit followed, until Collins published Hollywood Wives – a #1 bestseller.

When asked in an interview about why however fans love her work Collins responded, “I write about real people. My characters are actually toned down – the truth is way more bizarre.” Collins has written a variety of novels centered around particular themes of love, lust, greed, and power. She received critical acclaim with Hollywood Kids, a true to life story of the children of the rich and famous. She then began writing serial novels. One of her first was the popular, L.A. Connections series which she published every month. Her books, Hollywood Wives and Hollywood Wives – The New Generation, were sotries about how women use power, sex, success and love in Hollywood across multiple generations.

The Lucky Series

Throughout her career, Jackie Collins has brought a plethora of beautiful, rich, strong, and downright scandalous characters to life. But none of them have made the same impression or have had the longevity of Lucky Santangelo in the Santangelo series. The series is based on the lives, loves, and businesses of an Italian-American family. The series also explores their sometimes violent rivalries with the Kassari and Bonnatti families. Lucky is the brave and non-traditional daughter of Gino Santangelo and Maria Grazione.

Chances

This first novel in the series serves an introduction to the Santangelo family. It is divided into three parts. The first part takes place in the middle of a blackout in New York City, where Lucky Santangelo tries to keep her father from returning to the city. The second part focuses on Gino Santangelo and his life from the time he was a boy, to the present as a big time mob boss. The last part introduces Carrie Berkley and her son Steven.

Lucky

The second novel in the series delves into the life of Lucky Santangelo. Wild, beautiful, and strong, Lucky makes and breaks relationships from Vegas to the Greek Isles. She owns a casino in Las Vegas and is not afraid to throw around her rich and dangerous family name to get what and who she wants. The book explores her life, loves, and sets the foundation for a great ride.

Film and Television Adaptations

Jackie Collins has had several of her novels adapted for television and film, as fans yearned to see their favorite characters on television. Hollywood Wives, her New York Times #1 bestseller, was made into a miniseries for ABC. The series starred Candice Bergen and Anthony Hopkins – it was one of ABC’s most highest-rated miniseries. The Bitch and The Stud, The World is Full of Married Men were made into movies.

Collins also created an original movie called Yesterday’s Hero, with Suzanne Somers and Ian McShane. Jackie Collins also wrote and adapted the two books in the Lucky series, Lucky and Chances, for NBC television. These adaptations turned into high grossing six-hour miniseries called “Lucky/Chances,” and starred Nicollete Sheridan and a young Sandra Bullock. In 1992, Collins produced a four hour miniseries, Lady Boss, starring Kim Delaney. It was another hit for NBC. In 1998, she hosted her own daily talk show, where she interviewed a multitude of stars including Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney. Then in 2003, Jackie Collins produced anther television movie, Hollywood Wives – The New Generation. The film starred Jack Scalia, Melissa Gilbert, Farrah Fawcett, and Robin Givens.

Jackie Collins is a writer, producer, director and actress in her own right. Though the younger sister of actress Joan Collins, Jackie’s creativity, imagination, and passion will not be outshined by her sister’s success. Her books have sold hundreds of millions of copies throughout the world and have entertained and thrilled audiences in more than 40 languages. She has also created multiple blockbusters for ABC, NBC, and CBS with her salacious and provoking adaptations. This author is truly as original as her books and movies.

With the latest book in the Gray Man series by Mark Greaney coming out soon, we wanted to make the very first book in the series our book of the month.

Greaney is an incredible author and if you love the "lone badass" type of books then you will LOVE the Court "Gray Man" Gentry series. Read more about it.

Featured Series

It might seem like overkill, but we're giving The Gray Man series our featured series of the month.

Honestly this is such a great series and we feel not enough people read it so we want to push it. Read more about The Gray Man series and seriously if you haven't read it - start! Amazing thrillers.

Featured Author

Mark Greaney is an incredibly talented author. Not only does he write the Gray Man series however he also writes various Jack Ryan novels. Many feel he is the best writer of them and he truly is a great author. We're happy to award our author of the month to Mark Greaney.

Did You Know…

Joseph Finder has quite the pedigree studying at both Yale and Harvard. He can speak many languages including Farsi, and initially worked for the CIA before deciding to go the route of an author.